How Much It Costs to Replace a Starter on a BMW 328i

Replacing a starter on a BMW 328i typically costs between $550 and $1,150 in the United States, depending on model year, engine configuration, labor rates in your area, and whether you use OEM or aftermarket parts. In most cases, parts account for the majority of the bill, while labor is significant because of the time-consuming access on BMW engines.

Typical Cost Range for BMW 328i Starter Replacement

Understanding the usual price range helps BMW 328i owners budget realistically for starter replacement and judge whether a quote from a dealer or independent shop is reasonable.

• Overall typical range: $550–$1,150 (parts + labor)
• Common total at independent shops: $650–$900
• Common total at BMW dealerships: $850–$1,150+
• DIY parts cost (no labor): $200–$550 depending on brand and source

This range accounts for region-to-region labor differences, the choice between OEM and aftermarket starters, and the varying difficulty of access on different 328i generations.

Cost Breakdown: Parts vs. Labor

Parts Cost for a BMW 328i Starter

The starter itself is the single biggest component expense, and its price varies based on quality, brand, and where you buy it.

• OEM BMW starter (dealer or OEM supplier): $400–$650
• High-quality aftermarket (Bosch, Valeo, etc.): $250–$450
• Budget/remanufactured aftermarket: $200–$300
• Online pricing (RockAuto, FCP Euro, ECS Tuning, etc.): often 10–30% cheaper than local dealer parts counters

While cheaper remanufactured units can cut costs, many BMW specialists recommend OEM or premium aftermarket units for reliability, as starter failure is labor-intensive to address a second time.

Labor Cost and Time

Labor costs are driven by shop hourly rates and how difficult it is to reach the starter on your specific BMW 328i generation.

• Typical labor time: 2.5–4.5 hours, depending on generation and engine
• Independent shop labor rates: about $110–$180 per hour in most U.S. metro areas
• Dealership labor rates: roughly $170–$260+ per hour in many regions
• Labor cost range: $300–$800, with most falling around $350–$550 at independents

Because the starter is buried under intake components and wiring on many BMW engines, the labor time is higher than on simpler vehicles, which explains why the total bill can climb past $1,000 at dealership rates.

How Costs Vary by BMW 328i Generation

The BMW 328i badge has appeared on several generations with different engines and packaging, which affects both parts pricing and labor time.

E90/E91/E92/E93 328i (2007–2013, N52/N51 Inline-Six)

Earlier 328i models built on the E9x platform use naturally aspirated inline-six engines (N52 or N51), with the starter tucked under the intake manifold.

• Typical total repair cost: $600–$1,000
• Parts: $250–$500 for quality aftermarket or OEM-equivalent
• Labor: 3–4 hours in most flat-rate guides
• Difficulty: moderate to high; intake manifold removal or significant disassembly often required

Owners of E90-era cars often see slightly lower parts costs due to broader aftermarket availability, but labor time remains relatively high due to tight packaging around the intake side of the engine.

F30 328i (2012–2016, N20 Turbo 4-Cylinder)

The F30 328i with the N20 turbocharged four-cylinder has a different layout and access path to the starter, which influences the labor cost.

• Typical total repair cost: $650–$1,100
• Parts: $280–$550 depending on brand and source
• Labor: around 2.5–4 hours, depending on shop familiarity
• Complexity: tight engine bay; hose and intake/charge-air components may need removal

While the smaller engine can sometimes help access, the turbocharging hardware and associated plumbing add complexity, keeping labor times in a similar range to the earlier six-cylinder models.

Dealer vs. Independent Shop vs. DIY

BMW Dealership Service

Going through an authorized BMW dealer usually means higher costs but also access to genuine parts and factory-trained technicians.

• Typical total: $850–$1,150+ for most 328i models
• Advantages: OEM parts, dealership amenities, strong documentation of service history
• Disadvantages: highest labor rates; limited flexibility on aftermarket parts

Dealers are often the most expensive option but may be preferred for newer vehicles under warranty or for owners prioritizing documented BMW service records for resale.

Independent BMW Specialist

Independent European/BMW specialists often offer a balance of lower cost and deep model expertise.

• Typical total: $650–$900
• Advantages: lower labor rates, familiarity with common BMW issues, flexibility on parts choice
• Disadvantages: quality varies by shop; warranty policies differ

For most out-of-warranty 328i owners, a reputable independent BMW shop is often the best value, especially when using OEM or high-quality aftermarket starters.

DIY Replacement

Technically inclined owners sometimes tackle starter replacement themselves to cut labor costs, though the job is not beginner-friendly.

• Typical DIY parts cost: $200–$450
• Tools required: metric socket set, torque wrench, extensions, possibly E-torx bits; safe jack stands or ramps
• Skill level: intermediate to advanced; intake and electrical disassembly, tight access, and battery disconnection are required
• Risks: mis-routed wiring, damaged connectors, or incomplete reassembly can cause starting issues or fault codes

DIY can save several hundred dollars, but only owners comfortable working in confined engine-bay spaces and following detailed repair manuals or video guides should attempt it.

Additional Costs You Might Encounter

Starter replacement sometimes uncovers or coincides with related issues that can add to the total repair bill.

• Battery replacement: $200–$450 installed, if the battery tests weak or old
• Battery registration (for newer BMWs): $40–$150 if a new battery is coded to the car
• Intake gaskets or hardware: $20–$80 if removed parts need new seals
• Diagnostic fees: $100–$200 if the shop performs electronic diagnostics to confirm starter failure

These add-ons are not always necessary, but they are common enough that owners should be aware of the potential for the final invoice to exceed the basic starter replacement estimate.

How to Know If Your Starter Really Needs Replacement

Because starter failure can mimic other electrical or battery issues, confirming the diagnosis can prevent unnecessary spending.

• Common starter symptoms: single click or rapid clicking but no crank; intermittent no-start; engine cranks only after tapping the starter; lights and electronics work but engine won’t turn over
• Battery and terminal checks: weak or failing batteries and corroded terminals can imitate starter failure
• Professional testing: many shops will test battery, alternator, and starter draw before recommending replacement
• Fault codes: some BMWs may log DME or CAS-related codes if the starter circuit is problematic, though a dead starter can also be purely mechanical

Confirming the starter is the true cause of your no-start condition can save the cost of an unnecessary major repair and ensure you’re not overlooking a simpler power or ground issue.

Ways to Manage or Reduce the Cost

While you cannot avoid all expenses, there are strategies to keep the cost of a BMW 328i starter replacement under control.

• Get multiple quotes: compare at least one dealer and two independent shops in your area
• Ask about parts options: choose between OEM and reputable aftermarket depending on budget and how long you plan to keep the car
• Bundle maintenance: if the intake manifold must come off, consider addressing nearby items (PCV system, intake gaskets, or carbon cleaning) while access is open
• Check warranties: look for shops offering 12–24 months on parts and labor; some OEM parts carry longer warranties
• Avoid towing premiums: if the car is safe where it is and drivable intermittently, scheduling in advance can avoid emergency and after-hours surcharges

These steps can translate into measurable savings while still ensuring a reliable repair with quality parts and competent workmanship.

Summary

For most BMW 328i owners in the U.S., replacing a failed starter will cost about $550 to $1,150, with typical independent-shop bills falling in the $650–$900 range and dealership prices often higher. Parts generally run $200–$650, and labor adds $300–$800 depending on generation and local rates. Costs vary by model year (E90 vs. F30), choice of OEM or aftermarket starter, and whether you use a dealer, an independent BMW specialist, or perform the work yourself. Confirming that the starter is the true cause of a no-start condition and getting multiple quotes are the most effective ways to avoid overspending on this repair.